Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink drawing by Raymond Pettibon. It dates from 1997 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1997 ink on paper drawing by Raymond Pettibon, embodies the artist's eclectic approach to art, blending diverse American cultural references. Characterized by jagged black lines on white paper, the work intertwines fragmented text and a partially defined face.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing features the incomplete sentence 'I'm longing for...' alongside a face that appears almost erased. This juxtaposition may suggest the intensity and ambiguity of emotional longing, where the subject's feelings are too complex to fully articulate or define.
Technique & Style
Pettibon's technique in Untitled reflects his fusion of punk rock aesthetics with traditional drawing methods, reminiscent of old comic-book styles. The use of ink on paper, with visible line work, contributes to the piece's raw, unfinished appearance.
History & Provenance
Created in 1997, Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Emerging from Pettibon's background in the 1980s southern California punk scene, the work continues his practice of designing for SST Records bands, though here applied to a fine art context.
Context
While the piece can be appreciated on its own, understanding Pettibon's roots in punk rock and his eclectic references (literature, philosophy, politics) enriches the interpretation of Untitled's themes and visual language.
Artist & collection
Artist
Raymond Pettibon (born Raymond Ginn, June 16, 1957) is an American artist who lives and works in New York City.
